LOVE: Sisters & Sisterhood & Siblings

 “A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.” attributed to Isadora James. 

Sisters: I am blessed with having two remarkable and loving sisters tucked close in my heart and celebrate our lifelong sisterhood. I am the oldest, then Christine and Lori Jo the youngest – we all share a particular passion for art!      

Jewelry: Kathi Turner’s wearable art pendants designed with love especially for Christine (left) showcasing fluid freshwater pearls and for Lori Jo (right) with a centerpiece of fabulous piece of blue Fordite – in the same shade of blue as Lori’s 1979 Corvette!

Mixed-Media: Based in Ketchum, Idaho, Christine Warjone is a mixed-media, non-traditional artist and world traveler. With camera and paintbrush – using wood, metal, acrylic and canvas – she creates ‘the subject's story in a way that honors and connects.’ View Christine’s website at CWarjone.com (photos courtesy of Kathi Turner)

Watercolor: Based in Littlerock, Washington State, Lori Jo Devlin ‘captures years of observations in her dog, cat and equine portraits.’ Her love for the Great Pacific Northwest is depicted in artwork featuring the local wildlife and flora.  Lori Jo skillfully draws commissioned true-to-life tender pet portraits in her home studio: Art from My Heart. View Lori Jo’s website lorisartfrommyheart.com  (photos courtesy of Kathi Turner)

This watercolor that Lori created is of a particular breed called "Brangus" and was given to me as an extra special birthday present – notice the ear tag identifying the year I was born. I raised this type of cattle ranching on the high desert in Oregon and we named this calf “Lottory”. (photo courtesy of Kathi Turner)

Sisterhood: Not only biological – a sisterhood is made up of supportive women peers and friends. It’s a womanly affinity that happens naturally when character traits, values, interests, and personalities click with mine and I experience a deep recognition of sisterhood. I feel that affinity with each of you who connect with me and express in many ways your appreciation of my works of wearable art. I sincerely look forward to continuing and building upon our relationships.   

Siblings: I want to recognize and honor another family member, our late brother Bill Kloppmann.  He focused on a military career and was an awesome illustrator – sharing our passion for art. Here we are happily gathered to take a shuttle flight to a family get together on San Juan Island.

CELEBRATING LOVE

Yes, the upcoming Valentine’s Day celebrates love, yet love is celebrated every day.

“Soul Mates” represents two individuals, who even though there may be some indifferences, all and all they have the same goals, same ideas, and a driving love for each other. The pendant showcases a Kingman Turquoise stone set in sterling silver.

Much planning and love went into this “Soul Mates” pendant as I collaborated with Cole in Minnesota to create this special piece for his girlfriend, Emily.

Soon after, I received the following email from Emily: I just received one of your heart pendant necklaces from my boyfriend Cole in Minnesota! I cannot describe how much I love it and how thankful he picked it out! Just wanted to say that you create such beautiful work and I will be sending a picture soon!

I know this necklace is more of a statement piece but I have worn it every day, even under my scrubs, because I am so in love with it and it makes the distance from my boyfriend a little less hard when I get to see this every time I wear it. Thank you so much again. I wish you knew how much this piece means to me, and wish you all the best in the new year!

I love creating hearts! Below are two new original heart pendants:

Left: Alunite stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM set in sterling silver with copper accents.

Right: Purple Mohave stone cut by Jason Brousseau NM set in sterling silver with copper accents. Commissioned by Lynda Kelly of Meridian, ID as a 70th Birthday present to herself.

I would love to create a custom commissioned work of wearable art just for you.  Simply call me (775.304.6756) to chat about available stone colors and shapes – then we’ll work together on a special design for an original pendant of your very own.    

EVENT! HITH STUDIO #14 OPENS FRIDAY NOV. 22

The annual six-day HIDDEN IN THE HILLS TOUR & SALE will be up and running November 22-23-24 and November 29-30 and December 1 - OPEN 10 am - 5 pm.

HIGH DESERT CREATIONS is STUDIO #14 this year and welcomes back as guests the following fine artists: Morrie Elmer/wood turning, Jan Griggs/acrylic, Barbara Rudolph/oil and Rob Stenberg/mixed media, acrylic.

High Desert Creations Studio #14 is pleased to neighbor with Studio #13 cuvée art and Studio #15 Mark Lewanski Glass Studio. Conveniently located just off of N. Scottsdale Road and E. Lone Mountain Road (and straight east off of Cave Creek Road) – visitors will enjoy a pleasant and easy walk between the three.

High Desert Creations, 31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266

FREE Hidden In The Hills Directories, Maps & More!

Hidden In The Hills/On The POSTER!

I’m honored to be one of only eight artists participating in the 2019 Hidden In The Hills Studio Tour & Sale selected to appear on the official HITH poster.  

I’m sure you realize that’s me – on the left side, third image down – at my workbench.  What you may not fully realize is that my pendants are not only skillfully designed and executed, but are significantly sizable and recognizable as well. Recently, a friend was wearing one of my pendants when a passerby immediately noticed then identified it with a breezy: “that’s a Kathi Turner!”   

“The Beginning Of Happiness" Pendant – measuring 3¼”h x 2½”w – is the featured image along side of me in the poster. The pendant showcases a gorgeous Hubei Turquoise Stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM is set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents and hangs from an 18” wheat weave chain. Available as of today - CLICK ON THE IMAGE for details and pricing.

To put my work in perspective, below are two collectors proudly wearing their custom ranch brand pendants. As a former long-time rancher, my affinity for ranch brands runs deep and I would be happy to work with you to create a custom design incorporating the brand from your current ranch or one that holds a piece of your heart from the past.

I’m currently accepting commissions for completion by the gift-giving Holiday Season - great for both men and women!

Showing Up in City Sun Times

As in years past, I’ve been partnering with City Sun Times and here’s a selection from 2019 which I am pleased to share with you. Click on advert for extra details and pricing.

UNFORTUNATELY, “The Direction Of High Optimism” (above) featuring a sterling silver arrowhead nestled between beautiful Bumble Bee Jasper is now in the hands of a collector. FORTUNATELY, while each one of my pieces is original, I’m always happy to work with you on commission to create a similar pendant or one that we design together.

EVENT! HITH: Nov. 22-23-24 & Nov. 29-30 & Dec. 1

The HIDDEN IN THE HILLS TOUR & SALE is only a month away so MARK YOUR CALENDARS and plan to visit HIGH DESERT CREATIONS @ STUDIO #14. That’s my “Unbroken Faith” Heart Pendant on the poster below: right side - third image down.

I’ve just spent the summer in my Winnemucca Studio creating original works of wearable art just for you! Come by, try on and make your selection from a wide range of bracelets, pendants and earrings in my signature free-spirited style.

High Desert Creations will be open 10 am – 5 pm during the six-day HITH event and I’m looking forward to this special opportunity to welcome visitors, patrons and collectors to my North Scottsdale Studio at 31616 N. 70th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 (close to the corner of N. Scottsdale Road & E. Lone Mountain Road). See you soon!

BRACELETS! Because you see them too!

Always love wearing jewelry, but bracelets have a special quality all their own – always visible to others – always providing a direct line of sight to the wearer. In front of you when you shake a hand and in front of you when you’re on the move: steering a car; smoothing a skirt; picking out that perfect apple. A bracelet receives an abundance of admiration and appreciation. Here’s a selection that deserves attention - click on the image for more information.

The “Elated Moments” Bracelet showcases a Hubei Turquoise cut by stone shaper Jason Brousseau, NM and set in sterling silver. An easy wear, everyday piece that brings with it many elated moments of enjoyment.

With a personality that could match your own, the “Soul Searching" Bracelet features an Indian Mountain Turquoise, mined in Battle Mountain Nevada, cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. The special stone is set in a sterling silver band 1” x 6” with sterling silver accents and my signature barbed wire motif – here hand-stamped on each side.

This exceptional "Dream Big" Bracelet is remarkable in its feather edge band and unique hand stamped design. Go ahead and make your dreams come true with an antique copper bracelet with a centerpiece of green toned Hubei Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. The ¾” x 6” bracelet is accented with southwest desert lizards.

The “Extreme Copper” Cuff of textured high gauge copper makes an impression in size 2” wide – very comfortable, bold and quite a statement piece for your wrist!

“Indian Mountain Has A Vision" can make your vision of owning a magnificent bracelet come true. A gorgeous Indian Mountain Indian Mountain Turquoise, mined in Battle Mountain, NV., was cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. With distinctive hand stamp design on the 18-gauge sterling silver band, the bracelet is 1”x 6”.

“On The Edge Of Someday” wows the wearer with another outstanding Hubei Turquoise – this time cut by Jeff Hanson, AZ. Easy wear 20 gauge sterling silver cuff 1” x 6” with sterling silver accents. Beautifully edgy and classy – make this “Someday” yours for every day.

The bracelets ABOVE are AVAILABLE – click on the images for more information. BELOW is a selection of bracelets that have been sold, but if there is a design or stone that you would like to enjoy on your wrist, I will work with you on commission to create your special original bracelet.

COWGIRL CONNECTIONS & COMPLIMENTS

High Desert Creations continues to build a relationship with Cowgirl Magazine and their readership. Our excellent graphic designer, Julie Bergman/Coyote House, recently designed this advertisement featuring one of my newly created bracelets titled “Big Dream” and a Ranch Brand Commission birthday gift from Betsy to her daughter Brooke. This is the advert that was sent to our Cowgirl brand manager, Geena – it will run in the Cowgirl Magazine Holiday Issue.

Happily, I’ve received a lovely note from Betsy who said that she was the most excited ever to give as a gift the brand pendant I created for Brooke’s birthday.

I was told that Brooke absolutely loved it – she immediately noticed that the turquoise stone that I had chosen for her was perfect – as was the rendering of her ranch brand.

Betsy went on to thank me “for the beautiful keepsake my Brooke will wear forever and someday pass on to her kids. It is a treasure and she was absolutely thrilled with the gift. Gratefully, Betsy”

The interesting thing is – Betsy (the mother) and Geena (our brand manager) are friends! Betsy mentioned that she had commissioned a custom ranch brand pendant for Brooke and showed Geena the photo of it I had sent. Of course, Geena recognized my work and knew who I was from the HDC advertisements. What a wild coincidence it was that we are all three connected!

The Cowgirl Magazine Holiday issue will be mailed to subscribers on September 17 and on sale October 9 - be sure to get your copy - one way or another.

RANCH BRANDS & STORYTELLER PENDANTS

As a keepsake from a mother to her daughter, via email I recently received a commission to create a special ranch brand pendant along with a photo of a drawing of her daughter’s brand.

Mom told me that daughter Brooke likes turquoise and requested a stone that was blue green with veins – something with character! Now the pendant is off to Clovis, California.

It’s easy to communicate your design and requests to me via email – with wonderful results. Also, any of my pieces can be made into a brand pendant, click the link to view my brand pendant gallery.

As a longtime rancher, I have a fondness for ranch brands and a fondness for personal story. Several years ago, I began creating my signature Storyteller pendants which feature hand-made inspirational symbols that represent several meaningful events in a person’s life.

This pendant is a combination Ranch Brand and Storyteller. Having lived in Oklahoma and now in Arkansas, the lariat joins the two together and is looped into a heart that represents her love for both states as well as her brand.

I would love to create one especially for you, too!

PENDANTS for MISS RODEO NEVADA 2017 & 2018 & 2019

Each spring, an accomplished young woman is selected to be Miss Rodeo Nevada who will represent the State of Nevada in the Miss Rodeo America pageant held every year in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The young women will compete in several categories: horsemanship, public speaking, interviews, and a written exam.

I am pleased to say that one of my original pendants was selected by the Rodeo Board Pageant as a gift to the outgoing Miss Rodeo Nevada 2017: Kaity McBride

Chris Lemke, President/National Director of the Miss Rodeo Nevada Board of Directors, is a High Desert Creations facebook follower. She recognized that I’m a Nevada girl who works with turquoise stones set in sterling silver and/or copper and has purchased and commissioned me to create pendants for the Miss Rodeo Nevada ladies.

Last year, I was commissioned by the Pageant Board to create a pendant for the outgoing Miss Rodeo Nevada 2018: Makenzie McMurtrey - shown above wearing my original handmade pendant titled: “Battle Born” - which is the Nevada State motto. 

Makenzie’s response on March 18 on the Miss Rodeo Nevada facebook page reads: Thank you to @highdesertcreations for creating such a gorgeous necklace for me. And thank you to the MRN board for presenting the necklace to me at the 2019 Miss Rodeo Nevada pageant. I will cherish this gift forever!❤️💕

I’m excited to announce that I have been commissioned to create a special pendant for the reining Miss Rodeo Nevada 2019: Jennifer Fisk.

As Nevada continues to support the spirit and sport of rodeo, I am a Nevada girl that’s proud honored to be a part of it all.  Nevada Strong!

Making Choncho!

Concho is a shell-like silver decorative dome or disk most often round or oval in shape. These can be plain, carved or stamped with a design – sometimes surrounded by silver rope or silver beads. Native American Indians learned how to make conchos from Mexican silversmiths who created these accents for horse tack.

Now I’m excited to say that I’ve taught myself to make conchos!

This "Time Travel” pendant showcases my first handmade concho along with a great piece of Turquoise from the #8 Mine located in Elko, NV. And cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. A 100% copper accent design finishes the piece – all are set on a sterling silver backed pendant measuring 2¾” x 1½” hanging from an 18” copper rolo style chain.

In creating my works of wearable art, I have accented a number of pieces with the concho – resulting in a great look and complimentary comments from collectors and followers.

“A Someday View” pendant of sterling silver with a very unusual Hubei Turquoise shaped by master stonecutter Jason Brousseau, NM features a sterling silver concho accent.

Followers admire “A Someday View”! Martha Ard: Beautiful workmanship! Judy Vaughn: Very nice. Is that called a concho button? If not that's what it reminds me of. Very pretty Kathi. Fronnie Bealer: The piece that is at the edge of the stone is almost like a lid that slipped off revealing the beauty of the stone. I really like this creation.

“Dreaming In Color" textured and stamped sterling silver hinged bracelet features a Varisite Stone focal point and concho Sun Face Southwest Symbol accents.  The following comments for “Dreaming In Color” are appreciated!

Carol Akers: Absolutely awesome! Jeanie Ganley: It's gorgeous work! Kendee Barnes: That is amazing! Shelly Frisbie-Tomlinson: I absolutely love these bracelets you create. Evelyn Adams: I think the most outstanding elements of your creations are the back grounds you stamp.

(right) "Desert Glimpse's" Pendant presents a framed oval concho above a half-moon shaped Kingman Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. Surrounded by a sterling rope.   

(left) “Desert Breezes” Pendant showcases an over-sized domed silver concho with a Turquoise stone from Turquoise Mountain cut by Jeff Hansen, AZ.

"Rustic and Wild" neckpiece of sterling silver and copper features outstanding Turquoise stones from Arizona and Nevada with a sterling silver concho and handmade bead caps.

“Rustic and Wild” received so many compliments!

Angela Likavec: OMG!! Another beautiful work of art. All my favorite metals harmoniously brought together with turquoise as the finishing touch. What isn't there to love about this gorgeous necklace. 💓 Jan Bradley Russomanno: You have the most stunning Southwest jewelry I've ever seen 🎉👍🏻👍🏻🎉 Bobbye Tynes: You couldn't say enough about this piece of jewelry. Deborah Jeanne Bauer: Ok this is magnificent Carol Akers: They just keep getting more beautiful. Patricia Watt: Omg this is so beautiful, I really love it.it has it all....excellent work .. Judy Vaughn: A very unique piece. My hat is off to you Kathi. You bring together elements that work..

“Barbed Wire” earrings featuring my signature sterling silver barbed wire and sterling silver conchos on 100% copper backing.

It always makes me happy when I hear good things about my work and I’m always happy to work in collaboration on design and materials.

Trish Spaeth: Soooooo beautiful!!!!!💓💙 Billie Huckaby Brown: Oh these have my name written all over them!!! If you ever have time to do more earrings similar to these please contact me. Michelle Oberbeck Nelson: I love this woman's work!!! Shelia Martin: I would wear those! :) Kirsti Arndt: Must haves DeDe Jones Holroyd: Absolutely love them!

Below are two more new pendants that are available under the Shop tab.

(right) There’s so much movement in this “Remembering Yesterday" Pendant featuring a remarkable Campo Frio Turquoise, cut and shaped by Outlaw Lapidary, Tombstone, AZ and set in sterling silver above a handmade copper concho on 100% copper. Pendant measures 3”x1¼” and hangs from an 18” copper rolo style chain.

(left) There’s heartfelt joy in this "Heart to Heart" Pendant showcasing an outstanding greenish Tyrone Turquoise heart cut by Jason Brousseau, NM and set in sterling silver with 100% copper accents. Pendant measures 3” x 1½” and hangs from an 18” copper wheat weave chain.

AUGUST 1 - COME TODAY!

Today is the last day of the SUPERIOR ART and CRAFT SHOW in Winnemucca, NV.

I’ll be in the Winnemucca Convention Center East Hall 9 am - 2 pm today so be sure to come by High Desert Creations. I have created a fine selection of original handmade bracelets and pendants - all exceptionally wonderful works of wearable art!

SUPERIOR ART and CRAFT SHOW July 31 & August 1 & 2!

The count-down to the show has begun along with the continuing count-up of more original works of wearable art from High Desert Creations!

I’m busy in my favorite place – my studio – creating works of wearable art for the Winnemucca WESTERN ART and CRAFT SHOW – one of my favorite shows here in Nevada that will be up and running at the end of this month.

Attend, try on and select original handmade works of wearable art from High Desert Creations. Below are two new cuff bracelets - each showcases an exceptional turquoise stone cut by Jason Brousseau, New Mexico along with my own strikingly distinct hand-stamps. Click on the titles below for full description.

(left) “Indian Mountain Has A Vision “ (right) “Dream Big”

Held in conjunction with the Superior Livestock Auction, the annual WESTERN ART and CRAFT SHOW is a real western favorite! I look forward to seeing you there!

Independent & United

The 4th of July is a celebration of independence and union. On the 10th of July, Tom and I will celebrate our union of 55 years.

Tom Turner and I being united in 1964 at the Lutheran Church in Olympia, Washington.

When two people start out with the same goals, in our case ranching, long marriages just happen.

Living & loving the Western way of life has contributed to our successful personal marriage and our successful commercial business.

Above is a picture of Tom and I at the Houston Livestock Show in Texas in 2008 - the year we were selected “Pioneer Breeder Of The Year” by the International Brangus Breeders Association and received the Bronze Trophy – and up to that point, only the 3rd time in the history of the show that the Bronze had ever been awarded.

So happy together – then and now – now and always.

DISCOVERED by COWGIRL MAGAZINE!

I’ve just discovered that I’ve been discovered by Cowgirl Magazine!

A magazine with authentic attitudes and articles that capture the fashion and flavor of the Wild West as it is lived and loved today.

A number of my collectors are subscribers and several who spotted this in the July/August issue connected to express their excitement – which added to my excitement.

This is the cover of the Cowgirl Magazine July/August issue that was mailed to subscribers some three weeks before it hits the newsstands – now on sale as of June 12.

Who doesn’t want to check out the 10 Amazing Guest Ranches and more! I love Cowgirl Magazine and am honored to be part of it. Two of the pendants pictured are available.

“Unbridled” is a large statement piece featuring an impressive Turquoise stone from the #8 Mine in Nevada shaped by Russ Kaniuth, Sunset Ridge Lapidary Arts, CA. The sterling silver pendant measures 3¾”h x 2¼”w and is highlighted with sterling silver accents – the horse was cast in a foundry in France.

"Riding to My Run Away Place" showcases a sterling silver saddle and horse set on 100% copper accented with small piece of Nevada Turquoise and measures 2¾” h x 2”w and hangs from an 18” copper chain.

FLOWERS on MOTHER’S DAY!

Mothers are a shining light – beginning with the lullaby, we seek the perfect relationship and the perfect visit.

Mother is the centerpiece of our life. Here the centerpiece of this "Shining Light" pendant is a Pink Rose Quartz cut by Russ Kaniuth, Sunset Ridge Lapidary, CA. This very feminine stone and color is set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents.

Appreciation for “Shining Light”: Marilyn Root ~ Perfect craftsmanship! Mary Campbell ~ Love the work!!! Judy Vaughn ~ Wow! This is gorgeous. I love it! Karen Lashley ~ Soo pretty

An awesome Mother’s lullaby calms and delights. Here the “Once In A Lullaby” pendant presents an awesome piece of Gary Green Jasper set in sterling silver.

Awesome comments from facebook followers: Sue Faw ~ Just splendid! Ricardo Dow ~ Very unique...Excellent work Ann Poitras ~ Beautiful Art to wear🌸 Becky Gann ~ This one is Truly Exceptional...The WOW FACTOR 😲😲😎😍😍🤩🤩

How wonderfully perfect a relationship with Mother can be! Here "The Perfect Relationship" pendant in a more contemporary design features an awesome piece of Hubei Turquoise, shaped especially for me by master stonecutter Jason Brousseau, NM and set in sterling silver.

So many comments include beautiful - here are more: Paula Filyau ~ Unique and beautiful! Jessie Heinrichs ~ yes another WOW piece..love the shape! Darlene Green Haynes ~ Nice I love it beautiful workman ship Fronnie Bealer ~ That stone does have s special vibration. I can almost feel it through the screen

How special it is to visit with Mother! Here “The Perfect Visit” pendant showcases a stunning #8 Mine Turquoise stone from the Elko, NV. Cut by Russ Kaniuth, Sunridge Lapidary, CA. Sterling silver setting with sterling silver accents.

 Various visitors to facebook are in tune: Patricia Watt ~ What a beautiful piece and that color is beautiful Anna Guzman ~ Wow awesome Denise Schooler ~ This is a wonderful piece. Jessie Leslie Woodland ~ This my favorite piece you have made. Beautiful

Thank Your Lucky Stars for Horseshoes!

It is well known that the horseshoe is considered very lucky!

Horseshoes have been and still are hung in many homes to protect and attract good fortune. High Desert Creations collectors have been gathering and wearing their good luck often – also often paired with stars – because the phrase “thank your lucky stars” expresses gratitude and appreciation for a favorable occurrence and a positive outcome – such as receiving good luck and/or peace.   

“A Sense Of Peace” pendant in sterling silver - upright to catch all the good luck.

“Shooting Stars Are Lucky” pendant in sterling silver – tilted a bit to let the good luck flow out.

A selection of sold earrings and pendants showcasing Horseshoes & Stars that express good fortune. May you always be in the right place at the right time!

CREATING CUSTOM COMMISSIONS FOR YOU!

I happily welcome collaborations in the creative process of designing a work of wearable art just for you! Together we can develop a design – whether it be a pendant or bracelet – whether it be sterling silver or 100% copper or a combination of both – and select focal point stone(s) and accents.  

I appreciate the words of Candy McHone Rowe, a long-time collector of my work who says: “Every new creation is better than the last. Fantastic talent shining bright.” Last month I shared a number of heart pendants – many were commissioned – and here are works of wearable art created with a special feeling.   

My friend Valerie in Augusta, KS has such a kind heart!  She has been commissioning me to create pieces to celebrate her beloved horses and the above sterling silver and copper hinged bracelet is titled “For The Love Of Caleb.” Valerie chose the stone: a Carico Lake Turquoise that comes from a private turquoise mine outside of Battle Mountain, NV and was shaped by Jason Brousseau, NM.

This copper cuff was commissioned by Dave from Lovelock, NV with the intention to help soothe his arthritis. I added a turquoise stone, to encourage healing. My facebook followers liked this idea too: Marlene Sabatina Good energy in that one! Judy Vaughn Very nice…gorgeous yet manly. Cyndi Dan Wolke Beautiful. How wonderful of you to help him. Your beautiful gift should lift his spirits.

I always appreciate the confidence invested in me. These pendants feature treasures sent by a collector in La Grand, OR who commissioned me to create gifts for her family with stones cut by her father.

Worn by a well-loved father, I converted these cufflinks into earrings for Chris in Nevada who trusted me with these memorable treasures.

“STIRRUP” is a collaborative piece designed by Billie Morken into which I suspended a Blue Mountain Jasper within a sterling silver and copper stirrup shape. An important work of wearable art – the pendant measures 5” high and 3½ wide – it received the following accolades: Fronnie Bealer This piece beautifully showcases the stirrup as, not only a very useful tool, but how big a part it played in the development of the west. Jessie Heinrichs Trying to come up with something I want you to do for me.. you make it tough only because all are Soooo beautiful. Judy Vaughn This piece whispers " saddle up".

An intricate commission “The Path To The Unknown” sterling silver and copper pendant features as focal point Dead Camel Jasper from the Dead Camel Mountains outside of Carson City, NV – stone shaped by Paul Forsythe, Gilroy CA.

In town for the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Nancy and Hutch from Superior, Wisconsin came by my studio with a photo of their ’32 Ford Roadster. I fulfilled this unusual commission request by creating a replica of the car’s grill – appropriately set with a piece of Fordite stone.

This sterling silver bracelet with a remarkable White Buffalo centerpiece stone was a commissioned birthday present from husband to wife.

Designed with a Dead Camel Jasper cut by Odie House, Tucson, AZ, this sterling silver and copper piece was a Christmas commission going to Greeley, Kansas. The pendant is accented with barbed wire and a sterling silver horse cast in France.

If I can design something for you just private message me on facebook www.facebook.com/HighDesertCreations or contact me via email kathi89445@yahoo.com or call 775-304-6756.

To Ride on a Horse is to Fly without Wings

“For The Love Of Bueno Chex’s” is my newest horse pendant. Sometime around 1978-1979 we purchased Bueno Chex’s out of the Reno Snaffle Bite Futurity Sale. He was a kind and gentle stud horse and threw us some very awesome colts. He came back to mind so very strongly as I was designing this sterling silver, copper, brass pendant with a turquoise focal point stone cut by Jason Brousseau, NM. The pendant measures 3½”h x 2”w and hangs from an 18” heavy copper chain.

With five decades of ranching, roping and riding, the horse has been a big part of that. They inspire many of my pieces. To quote Shannon Ralls Lemon: “The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and fire.” 

I strive to represent these same fundamental characteristics in my hand-made jewelry – selecting stones that are authentic and beautiful; stones that are gracefully shaped by master stone cutters; stones that are said to have spiritual properties; stones unearthed and often tempered naturally by fire, water, and light – set in basic metals of sterling silver and 100% copper or a combination. For the most part, I have my sterling silver horses cast in a foundry in France. My designs bring joy to collectors and admirers alike.

Always interesting how these thoughts turn out. The loose stone is Shattuckite mined in Arizona; sterling silver horses are cast in France.

"Head over Heels" was inspired by a little horse I rode many years ago on the ranch. This amazing little horse named Sam always made me look good. Shattuckite, a brilliantly colored natural stone, was mined in Bisbee, AZ and set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents. The pendant measures 3”h x 2”w and hangs from an 18” large link chain.

My passion for horses was so great that, here I am twenty years ago, saddled up and ready to ride in minus 10 degrees weather.

“For The Love Of Horses” was inspired by their loyalty, strength and kindness. A beautiful #8 Turquoise stone from Elko, NV. Is set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents. Of all I create, the ones with horses are always near and dear to my heart. A life-long ranching background does that. The pendant measures 2¼”h x 2½”w and hangs from an 18” wheat weave chain.

“Unbridled” is a large statement piece featuring an impressive Turquoise stone from the #8 Mine in Nevada shaped by Russ Kaniuth, Sunset Ridge Lapidary Arts, CA. The sterling silver pendant measures 3¾”h x 2¼”w and is highlighted with sterling silver accents – the horse was cast in a foundry in France.

Pamela Ànderson Comer comments on “Unbridled”: “This is beautiful and I like the chain it is on as well, nice and strong and has some weight to it.”

I replied: “Pamela, all my pieces are made to be passed down through the generations. I use 20-gauge sterling silver and good turquoise. Thank you for such kind words.”

“Head Winds” features a Hubei Turquoise shaped by master stone cutter, Jason Brousseau, NM. Lots of great detail went into this piece – including the sterling silver horse. The pendant measures 2¼“h x 3” w and hangs from an 18” wheat weave chain. Worn wonderfully well with the addition of Navajo pearls.

“Head Winds" comments from facebook followers are so positive! Fronnie Bealer: “I really like the whole piece. The horse has a great expression.”  Paula Miller Potts: “Luv the stone luv luv the horse ... such beautiful work”

"Riding to My Run Away Place" was inspired by a special place high on a rim overlooking the vast nothing, hearing the breeze in the juniper trees, with the sound of the saddle leather squeaking, my horse breathing and my dog panting. This pendant showcases a sterling silver saddle and horse set on 100% copper accented with small piece of Nevada Turquoise and measures 2¾” h x 2”w and hangs from an 18” copper chain.

Here I am in the wide open spaces – the vast nothing – riding toward my “Run Away Place”.

“Snowy River" Necklace was inspired by the movie, “Man From Snowy River” which was the all-time favorite that our kids grew up watching. This piece – like the movie – shows the spirit of the way life should be lived. The focal points – a bold sterling silver horse and turquoise stone – are set on a 100% copper pendant measuring 4”h x 2”w. The 18” neckpiece of turquoise nuggets finishes this work of wearable art.

This is how Judy Vaughn feels about “Snowy River”: “It's beautiful Kathi. I love horses. And this is perfect.”

The “Remuda” Pendant is a one-of-a-kind showpiece that will never be redesigned again. These Shuttuckte stones (mined in Bisbee, AZ and known for their brilliant natural color) were cut by Russ Kaniuth, CA. Remembering the large remuda we had on our ranch in Southeastern Oregon, I placed a group of sterling silver horses that show tremendous movement above the stones. The pendant measures 1½”h x 3”w and hangs from a 20” heavy link chain.

Patricia Ogden lovingly comments: “So much Beauty and also magnificent I admire you for taking your time with your soul and heart for making such beautiful jewelry it puts such a great big smile on my face and thank you so much for sharing with me always God bless you always”.

“There is something about the outside of a horse, that’s good for the inside of a man.” Winston Churchill 

A Heartfelt February - I love so much what I do!

Nothing shows boundless love like this pendant. Designed especially for Valentine’s Day "Love Has No Bounds" features an outstanding Kingman Turquoise cut by Jason Brousseau, New Mexico and set in sterling silver with sterling silver accents.

A gorgeous Chrysocolla stone, cut by Russ Kaniuth, CA and set in 20 gauge sterling silver with sterling silver accents is the centerpiece of my “Faith and Circumstances of the Heart" pendant. I took a great deal of time in creating this with the intention that it be a significant piece that would be passed down through the generations.

I have created countless heart pendants (many on commission) and will continue to create heart pendants throughout the year – so well loved by the wearer – including the pendant below for my very own self which I created from a treasure gifted to me from Mary Hyde.

My hearts are very popular and I select significant stones: Turquoise (Kingman, Hubei, Campitos, #8 Mine) as well as stones known as Birds Eye Rhyolite, Tiffany, Plum Agate and more – often shaped by the master stonecutter who I loving call ‘The King of Hearts’: Russ Kaniuth. The pendants below are sold so be sure to keep checking the Shop/Metalsmithing tab on this website for the newest selections.